By Karim Were
Uganda Police have intensified enforcement against overloaded school buses following the deadly Kapchorwa crash that claimed the lives of 21 pupils and two adults, marking the beginning of a nationwide crackdown aimed at improving the safety of learners travelling on school trips.
Hours after the fatal accident, traffic officers intercepted two buses transporting pupils from St. Kizito Primary School and arrested both drivers for allegedly carrying far more passengers than permitted.
According to police, one of the buses, registration number UA 092AS, was being driven by Kimbugwe Ali and was carrying 110 pupils. The second bus, registration number UAN 619X, driven by Mutesasira Abubakari, was reportedly transporting 97 pupils.
The two drivers were taken into custody at Kampala Central Police Station (CPS) and are expected to appear in court to face charges related to overloading.
The enforcement follows growing concern over the safety of school trips after a bus carrying pupils and staff from King David Primary School Ndejje crashed in Kapchorwa District. Authorities said the bus was transporting 113 pupils and 13 teachers when the driver reportedly lost control, veered off the road, and collided with a large roadside rock, resulting in the deaths of 21 pupils and the school’s director, Tadeo Ssekadde.
Police say the latest arrests signal a tougher approach to enforcing traffic regulations for school transport as investigations into the Kapchorwa tragedy continue.
In a statement, the Uganda Police Force said it is working with relevant stakeholders to develop stronger guidelines for school transportation. The proposed measures are intended to improve the safety of learners during educational trips and reduce the rising number of road crashes involving school children.
The crackdown comes shortly after the Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, announced the immediate suspension of all school-organised tours across the country pending a review of existing safety measures.
Authorities have urged schools and transport operators to strictly comply with road safety regulations, warning that officers will continue conducting inspections and taking action against those found violating the law in an effort to prevent further tragedies.
